ANGRY people in Glasgow's South Side aim to "chain themselves to Highland cows" in protest against a housing development in their field.

People living near the former Leverndale Hospital site off Crookston Road, are furious that planning permission has been given for a housing estate.

Miller Homes has been granted planning permission to build 265 detached homes in an area which is one of a number of sites used for grazing Glasgow City Council's Highland cattle.

And now locals, who are fond of the cattle – which are normally seen in Pollok Park but which graze on land off Crookston Road, are threatening action.Councillor for Greater Pollok, David McDonald, said he has been contacted by people living in the Crookston Road area who are concerned about the new development.

He said: "Some people's homes back onto the cattle's field and they have grown very fond of the cows.

"They are like pets to these people who feed them regularly.

"They don't want to see them moved and so some jokingly suggested chaining themselves to the cows as a protest - in the same way you would chain yourself to a tree.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they went through with it."

Mr McDonald said residents are also concerned about the increased traffic and the strain the development would put on local schools and facilities.

In 2003, councillors agreed to change the designation of the land from green belt to residential.

In 2007, Miller Homes was granted planning permission for 201 houses on the site but legal agreements relating to the development were never completed and work did not go ahead.

The company's subsequent application has now got the go-ahead for a site which is bounded to the west by a site of importance for nature conservation.

Because of limited access to the development, a £4.5million road will be built to provide access for buses.

A report to councillors said: "It is considered the development will add to the volume of traffic at the congested Paisley Road West/Crookston Road junction.

"This is an eventuality which was foreseen when the site was identified for housing in the City Plan.

"Traffic improvement measures have been carried out by the roads authority, however, the junction is still congested.

"Improvements to public transport services, including the potential bus route through the site, should reduce the number of vehicles passing through the junction."

Work on the homes development is due to start this summer.

A spokesman for Miller Homes said: "We are delighted to have received planning approval for a major development of new homes

"The development will feature four and five bedroom homes."